Chemical Workflow Recording for Reproducible Lab Instructions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods lack the capability to automatically create detailed working instructions for repeating or modifying chemical workflows, either manually or automatically, in a chemical laboratory setting.

Innovation Solution

A method that involves recording a chemical workflow step-by-step using a wearable recording device with augmented reality capabilities, and then converting this recording into detailed working instructions that can be used for manual or automated repetition or modification of the workflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual working instructions are used for chemical workflows, then workers can execute experiments, but the creation of reproducible detailed instructions is time-consuming and inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkflow execution efficiencyVSAvoidtime for creating working instructions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically records the actual workflow execution and converts it into working instructions, creating a copy of the performed actions. This eliminates manual documentation time while preserving the exact steps taken during the experiment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The workflow execution process itself generates the working instructions automatically through recording and evaluation. The system serves itself by converting its own execution data into instructional format without requiring separate manual documentation effort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If detailed working instructions are created manually, then reproducible workflows can be achieved, but the process complexity and effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkflow reproducibilityVSAvoidinstruction creation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical documentation processes with automated electronic recording and computer-based evaluation. The recording device captures workflow actions automatically, and software converts them into structured instructions, eliminating complex manual creation efforts while ensuring reproducibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If automated workflow execution is implemented, then efficiency improves, but the ability to create detailed working instructions for manual repetition is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkflow execution speedVSAvoidworking instructions for manual repetition

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The recording device creates a digital copy of the automated workflow execution, capturing all steps, parameters, and actions. This copy is then evaluated and converted into working instructions that can be used for manual repetition, preserving the information needed for both automated and manual execution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS20250085302A1Method for Executing a Chemical Workflow

Publication Date: 2025.03.13 CHEMSPEED TECH

AI summary

In a method for executing a chemical workflow, the workflow is processed step-by-step manually and/or in an automated manner. While it is being processed, the workflow is recorded by means of a recording device and the recording so created is by means of a computer evaluated and converted into instructions which comprise detailed working instructions for a laboratory worker or for at least one automated laboratory device, on the basis of which working instructions the recorded workflow can be repeated manually and/or in an automated manner or, based thereon, a modified workflow can be created.